5 Great Meal Delivery Services for the Elderly
As we get older, cooking every day can become more difficult. Tasks such as shopping, food preparation, and standing for long periods can feel tiring or unsafe. As a result, meal delivery services for the elderly can play an important role in daily life. These services are designed to help older people enjoy regular, nutritious meals without the pressure of cooking from scratch.
The Benefits of Meal Delivery Services for the Elderly
- Improved nutrition: Meals are designed to be balanced and satisfying
- Reduced physical strain: Removing the need for shopping, chopping, and cooking
- Convenience and reliability: Meals delivered directly to the home
- Support for dietary needs: Low sugar, vegetarian, gluten‑free, or softer food options
- Greater independence: Helping people remain safely in their own homes
- Reassurance for Families: Knowing that their loved one has regular access to meals.
5 Great Meal Delivery Services for the Elderly
Discover our best meal delivery services for the eldery:
1. Parsley Box
Firstly, Parsley Box is a popular option for older people because it offers cupboard‑stored ready meals. Unlike frozen or chilled meals, these dishes do not require a fridge or freezer. This makes them ideal for people with limited storage space or those who want meals available at any time.
Meals are slow‑cooked in the UK and vacuum sealed for long shelf life. They can be stored for several months and heated in the microwave in just a few minutes. In addition, there is no subscription. Customers can order as often or as little as they choose.
Pricing
Individual meals typically cost around £4–£6. Introductory offers, such as a welcome box for £19.99, are often available. Free delivery is usually offered on larger orders.
Benefits
- No fridge or freezer required
- Easy‑to‑open packaging
- Wide range of traditional meals
- Suitable for low sugar, gluten‑free, and vegetarian diets
2. Field Doctor
Secondly, Field Doctor focuses on nutrition‑led frozen meals. These meals are designed by dietitians and prepared by chefs. As a result, they are particularly suitable for older people managing specific health conditions, such as IBS, heart health concerns, weight management, or ongoing fatigue.
This meal delivery service offers food that is frozen and quick to heat. This offers reassurance that each dish is nutritionally balanced and clearly labelled. Customers can order one‑off boxes or arrange regular deliveries. Importantly, plans can be paused or changed at any time.
Pricing
Single‑serve meals generally start from around £7.29 per meal. A minimum order value of approximately £50 usually applies. Delivery charges may apply, although free delivery is sometimes available on larger orders.
Benefits
- Dietitian‑designed meals
- Suitable for specific medical and dietary needs
- High nutritional value
- Clear labelling and portion control
3. Gousto
Next, Gousto offers a slightly different approach. While it is not specifically designed for older people, it can still suit those who enjoy cooking but want extra support. Gousto delivers recipe boxes with pre‑measured ingredients, along with step‑by‑step instructions.
This service may be best for more independent older adults or couples who still enjoy preparing meals. It can also help reduce supermarket trips and food waste.
Pricing
Boxes typically cost between £25 and £45 per week, depending on the number of meals and people. This usually works out at around £3–£7 per portion. Introductory discounts are often available for new customers.
Benefits
- Fresh ingredients delivered to the door
- Clear and easy‑to‑follow recipe cards
- Wide variety of meals and dietary options
- Flexible subscription with no long‑term commitment
4. COOK
In addition, COOK provides frozen, chef‑prepared meals that are simple to heat and enjoy at home. Meals can be delivered frozen or purchased in‑store. The flexibility of this meal delivery service suits older people who want quality food without cooking every day.
COOK meals are made using recognisable ingredients. They include traditional favourites, lighter options, and meals designed for smaller appetites. For many families, these meals feel closer to home‑cooked food while still offering convenience.
Pricing
Each meal us from around £4 to £7, depending on the recipe and portion size. Delivery costs vary by location, and free delivery may be available on larger orders.
Benefits
- High‑quality, chef‑prepared meals
- Simple oven or microwave cooking
- Options for smaller appetites
- Flexible ordering without long‑term commitment
5. Meals on Wheels
Finally, Meals on Wheels is one of the most traditional meal delivery services for the elderly in the UK. Although it is not as widely available as it once was, it still operates in some areas through local councils, charities, or independent providers.
Meals may be delivered hot, chilled, or frozen. In many cases, the service also includes a brief welfare check. This can be reassuring for both older people and their families.
Pricing
Costs vary by location. However, meals typically range from £5 to £8 per meal. Some people may be eligible for free or subsidised meals following a care needs assessment.
Benefits
- Local, community‑based service
- Regular contact and wellbeing checks
- Support for people with limited mobility
How Caremark Supports Meal Delivery Services at Home for the Elderly
Whilst at Caremark, we do not offer a meal delivery service, we understand how important good nutrition is to health, independence, and quality of life. For this reason, our trained and caring Care Assistants provide practical support with mealtimes that goes beyond food delivery. Our Caremark Care Assistants…
- Provide companionship during meals
- Prepare fresh, home‑cooked meals
- Support specific dietary requirements
- Help with shopping and meal planning
- Encourage regular eating and hydration
We would also encourage you to check your local office. Some of our Caremark teams have a partnership with a meal delivery service.
How Caremark Can Help
At Caremark we provide high-quality, professional support that empowers individuals to live their best lives. Our kind and trustworthy care assistants are key to the tailored care we provide. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, so we strive to support every one of their needs in managing their conditions.
Would you like to learn more about the care services we provide? Get in touch and discover how we can support you or someone you love. From dementia care to live-in care, we are here to help.
Key Takeaways
- Meal delivery services for the elderly improve nutrition and provide convenience, reducing physical strain when preparing meals.
- Parsley Box offers cupboard-stored ready meals, while Field Doctor focuses on nutrition-led frozen meals designed by dietitians.
- Gousto delivers recipe boxes, catering to those who enjoy cooking, and COOK provides frozen meals for easy preparation.
- Meals on Wheels delivers meals and includes welfare checks for older people, enhancing their wellbeing.
- Caremark supports mealtimes with trained assistants, offering companionship and help with dietary needs, without providing meal delivery services.
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